Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-05-13
PATRONS OF HUsBANDRY.
MORTIMER WHITEHEAD.

uls COuutiy anu us iuetieueioHs, onu
takes time to note the "straws that tell
which way the wind blows" 1t must
cause serious thought to read the re-
turns of the Spring elections from sew
eral of our largest cities and States. In
Michigan prohibition amendment was
defeated and the telegram reporting the
result says: "rhe whole affiliated liquor
interest-manufacture retail dealers
and the innumerahle army Of drinkers
was arrayed againstit. 1t was
a battle between the cities and the rural
districts and the former have won.'
From Cincinnati we read this: "For
a new party to come within a scratch of
electinga ticket which fortnight ago
not one business man in ten knew had
been placed in nomination, is something
as novel as it is revolutionizing. People
generally went home late last night in
the belief that the candidate Of the party
had been elected, but the morning pa
pers relieved the feeling Of possible ca
lamity."
In Chicago, as is well known, it was
a direct battle of the hest people of both
the old parties against the socialists"
and the anxiety for time was great as
to the possible result. The better ele-
ment however prevailed. A report
reads, "The genuine interest with
which to- days election was watched
was well illustrated by the hundreds of
dispatches received by private indivld-
uals asking information. Many such in
quires come from class which rarely
takes an interest in the city elections
the well to do farmers" All that is
threatening in our country to-day is
centered i'm our cities, and, as above
noted, in many instances this bad ele-
ment is already ruling the country.
Farmers cannot too soon organize and
educate themselves to meet the Issues.
We cannot shirk the responsibility. IL
is an "irrepressible conflict"
Before the coming of the Grange,
farmers never had al organization COW
ering the whole country, and adapted
in all its principles. its teachings and
practices to every portion of our land.
For over twenty years has it been in
existence; had is not been right and
founded upon justice and truth, it never
would have lasted all this time. 1t has
been thoroughly tried and proven, and
has resulted not only in great good to
its own members, but to farmers every
where and TO others not farmers. 1t is
no longer a theory, no longer an experi-
ment. 1t is to- day bright living fact,
and one OF the permanent institutions
of our country; and as has been the
case in the past, just in proportion that
its true aims and objects are understood,
do we find prejudice and opposition
passing away. 1t has only to be known,
its true objects and purposes explained,
and every farmer of intelligence and
progress will give it his hearty support.
As each week passes, applications are
being made by editors for Grange news.
"This department does recognize the
Grange" and the thanks of all true Pa
irons are due to the loyal agricultural
and general press of the country that is
now so cheerfully aiding in the impor-
tant work "organized farmers" have in
hand.
"a few years ago there was great glee
among the middlemen and over-bearing
corporations. The reason for their JOY
was peculiar, and to the ordinary mind
not provocative of merriment. 1t was
simply this: There was a temporary
lull in the activity Of the Patrons of
Husbandry and Immediately its naughty
and greedy foes set up the cry, 10! the
Grange is on its last legs; it is lying
down to die Just here was where
their mistake very naturally occurred,
for the Grange was merely resting itself
up for more vigorous efforts, for now
behold! it is on its feet again. and is
hitting out from the shoulder with
vigor and vim that is at once terror
and surprise to its adversaries. West
ern Rural.
"There is no room for idle hands in
Grange work in this State. Patrons,
onward and upward is the watchword."
1.-the principles learned and obeyed
in the Grange, and in our intercourse
there, as Patrons of Husbandry, are
none too good for the outward daily
life. Fraternity, born here within these
walls, should 90 with us everywhere,
hearing the spirit of the Grange room
in all our walks. Let us not forget
what the Grange is. 1t is not pleasure
alone, nor a business, nor trade, nor a
profession. 1t is joyous duty, noble
manhood and womanhood, a charitable
life. The Grange is an inward posses
sion. 1t is not altogether matter of
gain. but of giving; not altogether Of
boarding, but of diffusing."-Roscoe G.
Sn,ith.
A leading Patron in South Carolina
writes: "We have organized an Inter-
state Grange Encampment near Spar
tansburg, S. c., under the management
of board. composed of five members
from each of the State Oranges of Ala
bama, Georgia, Tennessee, North Caro-
lima and South Carolina. 1t is after the
plan of Williams Grove, Pennsylvania.
We nlraalr hive thirty acrps of ground